What are 2 characteristics of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)?

• A. Non-for-profit and independent
• B. Government-funded and for-profit
• C. International and government-controlled
• D. Community-based and profit-driven

Answer: (A)

Two defining traits of a non-governmental organization are that it operates as a non-profit and remains independent from government control. Being non-profit means any surplus funds are reinvested back into the organization's mission rather than distributed to owners or shareholders. Independence means the organization is driven by its own mission and governance, not by the government, even though it may collaborate with or receive funding from public sources. This combination sets NGOs apart from government agencies (which are run and funded by the state) and from for-profit businesses (which aim to generate profits for owners). While many NGOs can be community-based or operate internationally, those aspects are not the defining feature; the key is non-profit status plus independence from government control.